Talk about the good times. Remind him of the fun you've had together. It will take his mind off of the obvious and hopefully make him smile and realize that he really has had a good life. I can't believe all the wonderful things said about one of my friends AFTER he was dead. Say those things now. --Kris

Several years ago I had a dear, older friend who was diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. She had moved to another town, and was too ill to have visitors. So one night, I found a beautiful card, and wrote of my admiration and love for her, and how she had such a profound influence on my life. Sometimes we feel funny or embarrassed to open or share our feelings this way, but I was so glad I did. I called a few weeks later and her daughter answered the phone, who told me how much the card meant to her mother. When her mother realized it was me, she asked for the phone and we got to say our goodbyes.

Last year, on September 16, my dad also died of cancer. We are a big family, so the last week of his life was in hospice, and there was never a chance to be with him by himself. But one day, Mama and my sister decided to make a quick trip home to check the mail, wash some clothes, etc., and it was just me and Daddy. I cut the tv off, held his hand, kissed his forehead, and through my tears, told him how much I loved him, how much he meant to me. I'm crying now as I think of his sweet face smiling at me. I know I am blessed that I had that time with him and I will treasure it the rest of my life.